Batting will have to come good against Chennai: Gilchrist

Kings XI Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist on Tuesday said that his side's batting will have to click if they want to beat defending champions Chennai Super Kings in their second Indian Premier League match in Mohali on Wednesday.

"We let ourselves down with our batting in the last match and we know that. We have to improve in our batting against Chennai," Gilchrist said.

"Chennai obviously are defending champions and have very similar composition what they had in earlier editions. They will be confident enough after their win in the first game and we expect a tough fight, no doubt about that," he told reporters at the match-eve press conference.

Gilchrist, who scored just one in KXIP's opening match loss to Pune Warriors, said he was not averse to coming down the order if required.

"Anything is a possibility in T20 cricket. There is no set rule that I had to always open the batting. We have to look at what's best for the team and take a decision accordingly," said Gilchrist, a veteran of 96 Tests and 287 ODIs.

The retired Australian informed that compatriot David Hussey will arrive here in time for Wednesday's match but will take a call later whether to field him or not.

"Hussey will be joining us tonight after he arrives and will come into reckoning for tomorrow's match. We will take a call (on his inclusion) after seeing how he is physically and mentally (if he is not too exhausted)," he said.

Asked how difficult it is to play with a new team after spending three years at Deccan Chargers, Gilchrsit said, "As far as gelling together is concerned, I'm sure all franchises would say they have positive experiences and they are all gelling well. But I think talking to fans, it's a bit confusing ... After three years of getting familiar with certain teams."

"As far as transferring that (new team composition clicking) to success on field, I think you've got to perform as individuals. Cricket is a team game, but it comes down to individuals doing their job well. We are delighted the way Ryan McLaren played in the first game (scoring unbeaten 51)," he said.

Asked about draw of the competition where one team plays another twice while some don't, Gilchrist said, "I think it was a wise move by the organisers. Otherwise the tournament would have dragged too long and credit should be given to them. Some teams will complain of having to play more fancied teams twice, but it's a difficult schedule and you've got to have the right balance and not just add more cricket to it. "We have got to be careful of scheduling, not just in the IPL, but cricketing world in general," he said.

Talking about the Mohali pitch where India beat Pakistan in their high-octane World Cup semifinal match, Gilchrist said, "There is nice pace in it for the fast bowlers. We have got some bowling options. In the spin department, we have Piyush Chawla while David Hussey, with his off spin bowling, gives us options."

Chennai coach Stephen Fleming conceded that his side has the additional pressure as defending champions but exuded confidence after the narrow two-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening game.

"There is pressure on us and pressure should be there as defending champions. We believe consistency is the key and we are working hard at that for the three years. We are looking to maintain that consistency, hopefully reach the semi-finals and win the competition," Fleming said at a separate press conference after team practice session at the PCA stadium.

Fleming, former New Zealand captain, said his team is not reading too much about KXIP losing badly in their first game.

"We are delighted to win our first game, it was a tough game and it is always nice to win such games. But we don't read too much into it (KXIP's losing against Pune Warriors), tomorrow Gilchrist can come good and smash a 100. You have to be good each day and carry that confidence and that's where consistency factor comes," Fleming said.

CSK more or less retained the core team which had done exceptionally well in the last three editions and Fleming said that makes easier for his side to plan strategies.

"It makes it much easier and get the gameplan right. We (CSK) have an advantage, but only a small one," he said about the Chennai team.